Nine Sunraysia residents from six different countries will become Australian citizens today, joining thousands of people across the country in marking Australian Citizenship Day 2020.
Australian Citizenship Day falls on September 17, marking the anniversary of the 1973 renaming of the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1948 to the Australian Citizenship Act 1948.
It's been celebrated since 2001 following a recommendation by the Australian Citizenship Council that a day be established allowing all Australians to celebrate their Australian citizenship.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Council will conduct its second round of online ceremonies today. Individual online Citizenship Ceremonies will be held for each Mildura conferee, presided over by Mildura Mayor Simon Clemence.
Conferees are from the following countries:
- Turkey
- Republic of Korea
- Bangladesh
- Sri Lanka
- India
- New Zealand
Cr Clemence said Australian Citizenship Day was a chance to appreciate the meaning and importance of Australian citizenship.
"Australian citizenship is a great privilege, representing a commitment to our country's values of freedom, democracy, equality and respect," the Mayor said.
"It's an equally great privilege for Council to welcome new Australians each year to our municipality, adding to the diversity and richness of our community."
